Eurovision 2024 – live: ‘Life is forever changed’ says Bambie Thug after chaotic contest
Switzerland was crowned the winner as boos were heard during appearances by Israel’s entry Eden Golan, while the UK’s Alexander managed to avoid coming last in the contest
Reactions to the most chaotic Eurovision in history are pouring in after Switzerland act Nemo was crowned as this year’s winner.
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest was held in Malmö, Sweden, with scores arriving from the 25 countries that performed in the final, and in the wake of behind-the-scenes chaos.
Despite winning the contest, Nemo has not held back in their assessment of the organisers after it was revealed audience members were not permitted to bring non-binary flags into the arena.
Meanwhile, Irish delegate Bambie Thug has tearfully accused organisers of “not supporting them” over a row with an Israeli broadcaster. Afterwards, they said their life is “forever changed”.
Throughout the event, Pro-Palestine demonstrations took place outside the arena, with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg removed by police.
Israel’s delegate Eden Golan performed early in the contest, with the BBC’s Graham Norton remarking on the boos heard by the crowd.
The UK’s entry Olly Alexander received a rather low score for his song “Dizzy”, after Ireland’s Bambie Thug dazzled with “Doomsday Blues”, following speculation that they could pull out of the final after missing the dress rehearsal.
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Here’s Croatia!
Meet Baby Lasagna, the maverick singer representing Croatia in the Eurovision final
Thoughts on Nemo’s performance from Switzerland
Really standout performance from Switzerland’s Nemo with their spectacular, operatic song “The Code”, which touches on themes of identify and breaking down barriers.
Meet Nemo, Switzerland’s Eurovision 2024 entry singing ‘The Code’ in the semi-final
Meet Nemo, Switzerland’s Eurovision 2024 entry
Meet Nemo, Switzerland’s Eurovision 2024 entry singing ‘The Code’ in the semi-final
Meet Nemo, Switzerland’s Eurovision 2024 entry
Portugal’s singer iolanda cries ‘peace will prevail’ after performance
Some of Eurovision’s contestants are defying the EBU’s stance on ‘political’ statements, as they call for peace.
So far, Ireland’s Bambie Thug and Portugal’s iolanda have both made statements following their performances, with iolanda shouting “peace will prevail” after she sang “Grito”.
Protests outside the Malmo Arena in Sweden, where the final is taking place, are still ongoing.
Greta Thunberg removed from Stop Israel protests at Eurovision arena
Is Finland’s Windows95Man really naked?
Don’t worry, there is a flesh-coloured thong there, but he really does look very naked. Clever camera angles.
Serbia is giving Evanescence
Super dark, super goth. Love it. Beautiful voice and delivery, too. There’s a lot of big flashy staging in this competition, so actually, a more understated performance is likely to stick in the minds of voters.
Nice pipes on Norway...
Really strong vocal performance, and we all know Eurovision loves a strong vocal. Next up we have Italy, another favourite, starring Angelina Mango singing “La noia”.
Thoughts on the UK’s Olly Alexander
Again, sorry to anyone rooting for Olly Alexander but that was really not great. Lot of bum notes - he’s not got the best range to begin with - and the dancing was lacklustre, featuring some very unenthusiastic thrusting. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up in the bottom five.
Fun fact about this year’s contest
This is the first Eurovision in history where all the finalists are singing songs in the minor key.
Weird, right? Stats show that songs in the major key have traditionally done very well, but apparently everyone’s in the doldrums at this year’s contest. It’s making for some great songs, though, from Bambie Thug’s “Doomsday Blues” to Italy’s “La Noia”.